Why can some frogs freeze in winter without dying?
Quick Answer
Some frogs survive freezing because they produce natural antifreeze-like chemicals that protect their cells and reduce ice damage. Wood frogs, for example, can freeze and thaw seasonally in parts of North America.
The Full Story
A few amphibians, especially the wood frog (Rana sylvatica), can survive being partly frozen because their bodies rapidly flood tissues with glucose and other cryoprotectants. These chemicals help limit cell dehydration and reduce damage from ice crystals outside the cells. Their heart can stop beating during the freeze, then restart after thawing. This adaptation evolved in cold northern habitats where winter temperatures regularly drop below 0°C. It is one of the best-known examples of vertebrate freeze tolerance.
Key Facts
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